Our Badge of the Month series usually features one from our own collection, but this month I'm happy to welcome Terri Sanders as our guest BOTM host! She and I talked about how this badge came about. Please enjoy the highlights from our conversation! Order instructions and requirements are near the bottom of this post. :)

How did this badge come about?

An international group of licensed female pilots called the Kentucky Bluegrass Ninety Nines (read more about them here) started a program in the early 2000s for Junior Girl Scouts to earn their Aerospace badge (check here to see if we have any in stock!). When the badge was transitioned to retired status in 2011, they decided to write a similar badge for Cadettes to earn. They host an annual event with a a station format. The event and the badge were so popular that they followed up with badges for Brownies through Ambassadors.

The best part of these badges is that proceeds go to the Ninety Nines to fund scholarships for girls and women to earn their private pilot licenses!

TO GET THESE BADGES:

Send an email to Terri S at tgsanders@att.net with the number and level that you need, along with your shipping and contact info. Badges are $3.00 each with free shipping, and each order comes with hard copies of the requirements - scroll down for pdfs of the reqs for each level.

How to earn these badges:

Connect with a local group that offers programs in flight and aviation. You may need to ask for someone like an education coordinator, and you may need to send them a copy of the reqs to review.HERE you can find your local chapter of the 99s, or think creatively - do you have an Air Force Base, or a flight school, or small regional airport near you? What about a trade college?

This troop from Northern California visited their local airport and met with their local chapter of the 99s to earn this badge. Thanks, Jen!

How did you get involved?

I (Terri Sanders) am a lifelong girl scout and now a leader. One of my troop girls was the daughter of Terri Donner. She is a captain and pilot with UPS and lifetime member of the Ninety Nines. We worked together to develop the badges, and we coordinate on the annual event.

Why is Aviation important for girls?

The aviation industries (everything from air traffic control to mechanics) are predicting a huge employee shortages in upcoming years. In the past the military has been a major training avenue for these vocations but with military cutbacks and retirements employee demand is increased. This badge helps girls understand the importance of aviation, learn how it works, and consider potential career paths.

Are these badges official?

These badges were developed under the "Make Your Own" program and are available, earnable, and front-wearable by all BJCSA girls in any council.

Requirements?

Please download any of the linked files, which also include info on the Ninety Nines and more. They should be printed two-sided and folded hamburger style for best results.

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AND a 10% coupon good on any badges in our shop!

How do we get the badges?

Send an email to Terri S at tgsanders@att.net with the number and level that you need, along with your shipping and contact info. Badges are $3.00 each with free shipping, and each order comes with hard copies of the requirements.

Terri, thank you so much for sharing your program with us for April's BOTM!